ktm rider
Active Member
So, the ice storm thread had me wondering what tid bits of knowledge my fellow mountain dwellers have or items they use to make their winters in this winter wonderland a bit easier? What have you guys found that work and doesn't work ?
I have a very long road to my house that I have to maintain. ( 2.5 miles up the mountain) Some things I have found that are quite handy and not so handy:
1 . A pickup truck with a snowplow isn't the best snow removal weapon. they get stuck easily and are a PITA when they do get stuck. ( the warm cab is nice though)
also If your driveway is through the woods for any length, there is only so much snow you can push before there is no other place to put it.
To combat these issues I use a 52 HP Kubota 4wd Tractor with a 6.5 snowplow on the front and a 6ft blower on the back. The plow allows me to pile up snow very high and the blower obviously allows me to blow the snow 40-50 ft into the woods. It isn't impossible to get stuck but using the plow to push yourself backwards really helps
2. If you live up a long drive/road like we do, AWD vehicles will keep the wife happy and off your rear end about the road.
3. a Generator is pretty much issued equipment when living off the beaten path. Get a good one ( not Chinese junk) and wire it correctly to keep the Power company guys happy.
4. a woodstove is also standard equipment. If the generator cant handle the heat load or it goes down, at least you wont freeze to death.
5. Not all insulated Leather gloves are the same. it took me 12 years but finally found some that can stand the abuse I put them through. Kinco insulated leather work gloves. ( you can buy them at Hardesty's Hardware in Grantstville) best $20 you'll ever spend.
I have a very long road to my house that I have to maintain. ( 2.5 miles up the mountain) Some things I have found that are quite handy and not so handy:
1 . A pickup truck with a snowplow isn't the best snow removal weapon. they get stuck easily and are a PITA when they do get stuck. ( the warm cab is nice though)
also If your driveway is through the woods for any length, there is only so much snow you can push before there is no other place to put it.
To combat these issues I use a 52 HP Kubota 4wd Tractor with a 6.5 snowplow on the front and a 6ft blower on the back. The plow allows me to pile up snow very high and the blower obviously allows me to blow the snow 40-50 ft into the woods. It isn't impossible to get stuck but using the plow to push yourself backwards really helps
2. If you live up a long drive/road like we do, AWD vehicles will keep the wife happy and off your rear end about the road.
3. a Generator is pretty much issued equipment when living off the beaten path. Get a good one ( not Chinese junk) and wire it correctly to keep the Power company guys happy.
4. a woodstove is also standard equipment. If the generator cant handle the heat load or it goes down, at least you wont freeze to death.
5. Not all insulated Leather gloves are the same. it took me 12 years but finally found some that can stand the abuse I put them through. Kinco insulated leather work gloves. ( you can buy them at Hardesty's Hardware in Grantstville) best $20 you'll ever spend.
